Elmfield Hall, a Grade II listed building in Gatty Park, is one of 17 across the country which will benefit from a £5.5million boost to help them re-open to the public, or to improve their existing use.

Local social enterprise Community Solutions North West will be given £307,877 to refurbish Elmfield Hall, the Department for Communities and Local Government announced.

The hall was built in the 1850s by the Gatty family, who were chemical manufacturers at Hagg Works.

In 1896 it was gifted, along with the grounds, to the Church township, and it was listed in March 1984. It is currently used for small meetings and fund-raising activities.

Last week, Hyndburn Leisure Trust revealed plans to save £6,000 a year by allowing the building to be managed by a company in the voluntary sector had been given the go-ahead.

CSNW is a social enterprise based in Accrington. It has food banks in the town, as well as Burnley, and distributes food to the needy across East Lancashire.

A spokesman for CSNW said the finer details of what the building would be used for were still being ironed out with Hyndburn Council.

Director Mark Hirst said: “We’re currently in talks with Hyndburn Council about a project that looks to increase community provision in Accrington.

“Once the technical details have been decided we will have more information about the project.”

A small number of affordable flats are also planned, with the project funded by the government’s department for communities.

Hyndburn Council’s portfolio holder for assets, Coun Joan Smith, said: “I can confirm that we are in talks with CSNW and will be able to comment further after their conclusion.”

Minister for Communities, Stephen Williams, said: “Right across the country people are taking control of how their community is run, from setting up neighbourhood plans deciding on new development in the area to taking over local services.

“I want to go further still and the money announced will help 17 treasured community assets provide leisure and cultural facilities for the future. It will also create jobs for local people, helping to build both a stronger economy and a fairer society.”

Comments (6)

Accrington should also look at their own buildings. Visitors arriving by train see some marvellous architecture, This beautiful building with a lovely interior once owned by the local conservatives is being allowed to deteriorate.

Accrington should also look at their own buildings. Visitors arriving by train see some marvellous architecture, This beautiful building with a lovely interior once owned by the local conservatives is being allowed to deteriorate.wrinkles

I live close to Gatty park,it is truly a treasure. I also live (closer) to Milnshaw park, Accrington's first municipal open space. Granted, money has been allocated for footpath maintenance, but imho I feel that it is a "cinderella" begging at the table for crumbs that the Oakhills and Gattys might drop.

I live close to Gatty park,it is truly a treasure. I also live (closer) to Milnshaw park, Accrington's first municipal open space. Granted, money has been allocated for footpath maintenance, but imho I feel that it is a "cinderella" begging at the table for crumbs that the Oakhills and Gattys might drop.kosmic karma

If there is , is it actually open to the public or just the select few who can gain admittance ?

If the Gatty Park bowling green is in reality a private green , I suggest that its users pay for their privilege , and that the public money saved be used for public amenities in Hyndburn's parks .

Is there a public bowling green in Gatty Park ?
If there is , is it actually open to the public or just the select few who can gain admittance ?
If the Gatty Park bowling green is in reality a private green , I suggest that its users pay for their privilege , and that the public money saved be used for public amenities in Hyndburn's parks .moxhie